licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈli-k(ə-)rish  -k(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: the dried root of a European leguminous plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

also : an extract of this used especially in medicine, liquors, and confectionery

b

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (such as anise)

2

: a plant yielding licorice

also : a related plant

Examples of licorice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here are some popular varieties: Thai basil: Also called anise basil, this small-leaf variety boasts a strong licorice flavor. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2023

These dates flaunt a mysterious dark color, similar to black licorice. —Christina Manian, Rdn, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2023

On the inside of the fence, stacks of glossy slicks look like licorice and smell like pencil erasers. —Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 30 Jan. 2023

In the mouth there are ripe fruit flavors with hints of cedar and licorice in the post palate. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2023

The 2018 was elegant, fresh and delicious with a note of licorice. —Eric Asimov, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023

Pairing with Suzuki’s smart Mediterranean-Japanese cooking, Doi went all out with an array of sakes: Shikishima Junmai, a zephyr of peach blossoms and licorice; a tawny aged brew from 1988, as acidic and nutty as Oloroso sherry; blond mango sake as sweetly fragrant as Juicy Fruit gum. —Adam Erace, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2023

The deep licorice notes of the latter is especially good here, so don't skip it. —Joy Howard, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2023

Crisp and buoyant aromas of gorse, black licorice and red cherries. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English licorice, from Anglo-French licoris, from Late Latin liquiritia, alteration of Latin glycyrrhiza, from Greek glykyrrhiza, from glykys sweet + rhiza root — more at dulcet, root

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing licorice

• Indian licorice

• Indian licorice

Kids Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

a

: a European plant of the legume family with spikes of blue flowers

b

: the dried root of licorice

also : a preparation made from the root

2

: a candy flavored with licorice or a substitute (as anise)

Etymology

Middle English licorice "licorice," from early French licoris (same meaning), from Latin liquiritia (same meaning), derived from Greek glykyrrhiza, literally, "sweet root"

Medical Definition

licorice

noun

lic·​o·​rice

variants or chiefly British liquorice

ˈlik(-ə)-rish  -rəs 

1

: a European leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra) with pinnate leaves and spikes of blue flowers

2

a

: glycyrrhiza sense 2

b

: an extract of glycyrrhiza commonly prepared in the form of a gummy or rubbery paste